Directors Digest — Thursday 23 September

News rolls in from the Emmys and the Griersons, while Netflix gains another major UK studio. Meanwhile, major new works on inequality in film and TV are published, and the industry mourns the passing of filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles.   

Cinema icon Melvin Van Peebles passed away this week at the age of 89. (Screen)

A vital new report from the Film and TV Charity revealed demonstrated that there is no formal accountability for racism in the UK film and TV industry. (Variety)

The 2021 Emmy Awards were announced, and we were thrilled to see Directors UK Board member Jessica Hobbs take home the award for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series! Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and nominees — you can read a full list here. (EW)

The final nominations for the 2021 Grierson Awards were also announced, with Directors UK members included across the categories. You can read our report here — congratulations to all involved!

Netflix has acquired another UK studio at Longcross, however there are reports that this could put productions such as Call the Midwife at risk. (The Times)

Meanwhile, NBC Universal and the BBC have entered a groundbreaking unscripted formats partnership. (Variety)

The Government has reinstated its high-end TV quarantine exemption, Broadcast reports.

BBC Chief Tim Davie has welcomed the call for a focus on ‘distinctly British’ content. (Guardian) 

And finally, the BBC has announced the return of Waterloo Road. (BBC) 

Are you a member with an opinion on one of these stories? Is there an issue affecting directors that you think isn’t getting enough attention in the media? Why not write for us and make yourself heard — email [email protected] with your article idea.